Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Dubbed, on the Performance Poetry circuit, as the ‘King of Spoken Word’, Tshaka Campbellis described as a modern day Griot with a generous sprinkling of edutainting lyricism who paints pictures so vivid, you’d swear you can taste them.

In the run up to his forthcoming performance atSoul-D-Out (UK) Live(Friday 4 June 2010) ONiT! had a quick chat with him...

How long have you been performing Spoken Word?Writing since 95 - performing since 2001Who would you cite as your influences?Ben Okri, Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, Octavia Butler, ainsley burrows, Saul Williams, LIFEHow would you describe your style as a performance artist?I try to connect with my audience as I ask them to engage in the works as much as I engage in them – listen different… we all have something to say so I want time with them to be fruitful and something they can take away with them….. in a few words Thick, passionate, integrity,

What can the audience expect from you at a performance?Fun, integrity, a perfectly crafted melange of language painted on a blank canvas peppered with imagery and a touch of a reincarnated west African griot [laughs] we will just enjoy each others company.

Watch a snippet of a performance by Tshaka here:

What performances and projects do you have coming up?Raising my daughter :o)

Poetry n Motion - MaySoul-D-Out (UK) Live! - June

Rum Punch - JulyWales – OctWorking on one man showWorking on new digital album

You can see Tshaka Campbelllive, at Soul-D-Out (UK) Live!onFriday 4 June

For dinner reservations, please contactCottons, in advance, on: 020 7833 3332/ http://www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk/. A two or three course meal will guarantee your entrance fee to theSoul-D-Out (UK) Live!show is frozen at the mere price of£8.

EntryAdvance tickets available at£10online: http://www.urbantickets.co.uk/Tickets available on the door at£10 before 11pm/£12 afterTickets available with your meal, if bookedin advance, at thediscounted fee of£8

Each artist, has been selected for their impeccable craftsmanship and will delight you with their respective artistry.

In addition to our featured artists, we also have an Open Mic segment of the show, we’re you can share your creativity with the audience. Text or Call 07723 081 832 for the beat in advance, and on the night, the band will play it live! Whoever brings their HEAT on the BEAT will be offered a guaranteed spot at a future Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! show – don’t be shy, get in touch!

So, put the date in your diary, and come along and enjoy a meal from the delicious Caribbean menu, whilst you soak up the atmosphere of the live, vibrant and sultry entertainment. For your dining pleasure, there are 2 and 3 course options, with special deals for the show. Alternatively, sip on a cocktail from the extensive selection spanning some 150 different rums – we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your taste.For dinner reservations, please contact Cottons, in advance, on: 020 7833 3332/ http://www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk. A two or three course meal will guarantee your entrance fee to the Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! show is frozen at the mere price of £8.

Doorsopen at 8pmShow commences at 9:30pm sharp, with an after party until 2:30am

Tshaka CampbellDubbed, on the Performance Poetry circuit, as the ‘King of Spoken Word’, Tshaka Campbell is described as a modern day Griot with a generous sprinkling of edutainting lyricism who paints pictures so vivid; you’d swear you can taste them.http://www.reverbnation.com/tshaka | http://www.naturalkink.com

SoulcydeVocalist and Songwriter, Natz and Guitarist composer, Tsuyoshi, make up this soulful, eclectic duo who site some of their influences as Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan, Parliament, and Peter Tosh. The pair are passionate about ‘real’ music and together have wowed audiences across the globe, as well as at home in London, where BBC Radio called them “Briatain’s best kept secret!”http://www.reverbnation.com/soulcyde | http://www.soulcyde.com

Enrico DelvesEnrico Delves, the extremely talented, yet modest UK Singer/Songwriter has performed alongside international artists across the globe, as well as for Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Winner of Best Unsigned Artist at the 2008 MOBO’s, Delves is fast becoming a major force in the music world and is currently promoting his new EP.http://www.myspace.com/iamenrico

J’NayCurrent resident artist at Soul-D-Out (UK) Live, Singer/Songwriter J’Nay, from West London, won MOBO Unsung Artist of the Year in 2003. A regular performer on the live circuit, J’Nay has toured with Jamelia as well as written songs for many international artists. Currently working on Project X Why, he continues to inspire and enjoy the his musical journey.http://www.reverbnation.com/jnay | http://www.myspace.com/jnaybaby

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

ONiT! PRis pleased to announce their new and exciting relationship with Soul-D-Out (UK) Live!, the monthly, live music event promoting independent UK soul artists.

ONiT!PRandSoul-D-Out (UK) Live!are looking forward to concentrating on their joint aim of providing a platform for the very best UK independent Soul, as well as Lyrical and Spoken Word artists, whilst creating new opportunities for emerging talent from across the country.

Since its inception in 2008, host D’Nyce has welcomed a variety of exceptional UK soul artists, including MOBO winnerYolanda Brown, Elizabeth Troy and Indigo Brown, to the Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! stage, as well as a host of artists from the U, helping to cementSoul-D-Out (UK) Live!as the premier London event for attracting and showcasing new and established artists alike.

“I still have the love and drive I had back then to promote quality artists in an intimate venue to appreciative soulful audiences. We look forward to what the rest of 2010 has in store for us.” says D’Nyceof Rampagesound system and Presenter of the weekly Soul-D-Out (UK) radio show,onBang Radio 103.6 fm/ www.bangradio.fm

ONiT! PR, active promoters of the UK live performance scene, seek to build on their newly established, ever growing position within the UK arena, paying particular attention to the promotional and marketing aspect of Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! enabling D’Nyceto focus more on artist liaison and diversification, with the combined goal of raising the bar for Soul-D-Out (UK) Live! even higher.

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

• Soul-D-Out (UK) Live is a live entertainment event that takes place at 8pm on the first Friday of each month, at Cotton’s Restaurant, Rhum Jungle Bar, 71 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QP (http://www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk)

• Entrance to Soul-D-Out (UK) Live is £10 before 10pm £12 thereafter (Concessions available if dining – 2 or 3 course meal)

• Artists interested in performing should contact ONiT! PR in the first instance, via email: onitpr@yahoo.co.uk

• D’Nyce of Rampage sound system and Bang Radio 103.6 fm hosts the Soul-D-Out (UK) radio show every Thursday from 19:00 – 21:00 GMT on Bang Radio 103.6fm / http://www.bangradio.fm

• ONiT! PR is a Public Relations, Events, Marketing and Management Company specialising in providing services to, as well as supporting and representing, the Performance Art, Live Music and Spoken Word/Poetry scene.

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

Birthplace: Walthamstow, East LondonLives: East LondonType of Artist: New Age PoetAccomplishments: Rum Punch'Punch' Champion - April 2010

Q&A

ONiT! caught up withRoss TAKER, previousRum Punch 'Punch' Champion - April 2010in the run up to the nextRum Punch event, this Thursday...

How long have you been writing and performing for?

Writing for 2 years, performing for six months.Is Poetry your full time occupation, or do you do other stuff simultaneously?

I do my poetry part-time, in addition to studying at university. I’m at uni in Brighton, but am currently working on placement in London.

How often do youmanage to do shows?

Around 3 times a month; places like The Sunday Show, who have asked me to come back a few times. The audience can be quite difficult there, but it’s rewarding when you get them on your side and they appreciate what I have to say, the material, which is nice. I always seem to get other bookings from performing, which is great.

Can you tell us how you got involved in performing Poetry?

My Dad brought me Tupacs Book ‘The Rose that grew from Concrete’ and it inspired me to write.

When I was 18, I went to a talent show and I performed unexpectedly, which really surprised everyone. From that first experience, I decided to pursue the writing and performing journey. I’ve done a lot of writing since and have been working hard on my stage presence, as I’m quite a shy guy, I think it’s important to hone that part of my performance.

I performed at some Morgan Stanley culture events and will be performing at some forthcoming ACS Kings & Queens showcase events with various universities.

Can you tell us what inspires you to write and perform?

The fact that people can learn from and relate to what I have to say. Also, bringing awareness to people, really. When you read about knife crime, it often sounds like the people affected are involved in gangs and crime, but it’s not always like that, so I want to bring that awareness. I feel like I’m representing the youth of today with my poetry.

Who would you cite as your influences?

Tupac, Nas, Common, Talib Kweli and Pats Justice from Def Jam Poetry. I think you learn from everything really. I learn from various places – everyone brings something different and there’s always a chance to take from that.

How would you describe your style as a Performance Artist?

I feel that I draw the crowd with my material, it’s diverse; I may have a piece that makes you think, one that makes you smile, or do something differently, it’s that kind of work that makes me, me.

Complete this sentence:

Poetry is...A way to describe your personal feelings and experiences to others.

What can an audience expect when they hear you perform?

To be amazed! I will have them hooked on my every word, and once I’ve finished, hopefully, they should leave thinking about the way they are living and possibly have the courage to change the way they are living for the better.

What would you say are your greatest challenges as a writer and performer?

The fact that, not as much attention is given to poetry as other performance art forms, i.e. singers, rappers, dancers, etc. The only way to rise above that, is to keep pushing yourself higher. That’s what I like about Rum Punch, the variety of artists – they’re all there supporting one another.

Can you tell us how you got involved with competing in the Rum Punch ‘Punch Competition’?

A poet called Mr T, who is kind of like my Mentor, he told me about it and Poet, Tana Forté (previous Rum Punch ‘Punch Champion’) encouraged me too. She really pushed me to enter - they both gave me the confidence to go for it.

What was the experience like – in terms of actually competing for the first time?

Being a part of Rum Punch, seeing and hearing the other styles of performers, was amazing. Plus the crowd presence - the audience were really supportive.

Other places that I’ve performed, if the crowd don’t like you, what you’re about, they don’t support you. Being a part of Rum Punch made me realise that there is so much talent out there that needs tapping into. Hopefully, shows like Rum Punch will help push the art out there.

How did it feel to win?

I couldn’t stop smiling! I wanted to act like it was nothing, but it was a very proud moment. Especially as I felt that the competition was strong, so to actually win meant a lot.

What advice would you give to another artist thinking about taking part in the Rum Punch ‘Punch Competition’?

Just believe in yourself, in what you’re saying and you’ll do well. All of my work is based on personal experiences, stuff that you go through and hear other people going trough.

Ultimately, what would you like to achieve with your Poetry?

I want to raise the profile of poetry amongst young people. In my current circles, the main known names in Poetry are James Massiah and Suli Breaks, which is great, but there is even more talent out there. I don’t get why poetry seems to be so hidden, there is so much talent to explore.

What other performances/projects do you have coming up?

I'm looking to put some video’s out. I’d like to do serious videos – bringing some of my pieces to life, making them visiable. The ultimate goal is to publish a book, but for now, I’d like to do the video’s to raise the profile of my work and of poetry in general.

When I started telling my friends that I was doing poetry, they looked at me like I was mad, but now they’re supportive and they understand why I’m trying to do what I’m doing. People wanted me to sway more towards Rap, but that’s not me, I’m not trying to be like everyone else. I needed to find my own way through Poetry.

The next Rum Punch show, featuring the 'Punch' Competition, takes place tomorrow, Thursday 6 May 2010, at Rudys Revenge, 168 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA (Holborn/Covent Garden/Tottenham Court Road Tube) Entrance: £5 or £4 for students with valid I.D

Win a pair of tickets forRum Punch - May 2010by answering this question:

Name the two artists who encouraged Ross TAKER to enter the Rum Punch 'Punch' Competition.

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ONiT! PR is a Public Relations, Events, Marketing and Management Company.
We specialise in raising the profile of Performance Art, in London and the surrounding areas of the UK, with particular attention to Spoken Word and Performance Poetry, in addition to other genres, such as Song, Rap, Comedy and general Live Entertainment.
Working with Independent Artists and Event Organisers/Promoters alike, we deliver targeted PR, promotional and marketing campaigns, alongside event booking management services and administrative support to individuals, organisations and companies.
With our vast range of contacts within the UK Live Performance arena, ONiT! PR are ideally equipped to assist UK Artist seeking support with securing bookings and fees, Overseas Artists seeking performances in the UK for a planned trip or Event Planners requiring enhanced visibility and increased numbers at events.
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